Viral shedding - meaning and definition
Alsoasymptomatic sheddingsheddingasymptomatic viral shedding
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Viral shedding is when a virus is released from the body and can be passed on, sometimes even when there are no visible symptoms.
At a glance
- Viral shedding is when a virus is released from the body and can be passed on.
- It can happen even when there are no visible symptoms.
- The term is most often used about herpes.
- Shedding explains why many people catch herpes from partners who did not know they had it.
- Daily antiviral medicine reduces shedding.
In detail
The term comes up most often with herpes. The herpes virus can be active on the skin on some days without any sores, which explains why many people catch herpes from partners who did not know they had it.
Daily antiviral medicine reduces shedding, and condoms lower, though do not remove, the risk of passing herpes on.
In a sentence
- The doctor explained that herpes can spread through viral shedding even without sores.
- She takes daily antivirals to reduce viral shedding.
Not to be confused with
- Viral load
Viral load is a blood measurement used mainly for HIV, not a description of skin shedding.
Common questions
Can herpes spread without an outbreak?
Yes. The herpes virus can be active on the skin on some days without any sores, which is called viral shedding.
How can viral shedding be reduced?
Daily antiviral medicine reduces shedding, and condoms lower, though do not remove, the risk of passing herpes on. A sexual health clinic or doctor can advise on your own situation.